In the world of philosophy, the statement made by Thrasymachus in Plato's Republic is significant in its implications for the relationship between government, laws, and morality. Thrasymachus's statement suggests that those in power shape the laws and use them to their advantage, often at the expense of the rest of society. This statement has significant implications for the concept of justice and morality in society.
One way in which Thrasymachus's statement relates to changes in a society's morality is by pointing out the potential for moral relativism in lawmaking. If laws are made solely to serve the interests of those in power, rather than being based on objective moral principles, then the laws may not necessarily be just or moral. This can be seen in historical examples such as apartheid in South Africa or Jim Crow laws in the United States, where laws were used to enforce and perpetuate systems of inequality and injustice.

However, Thrasymachus's statement does not necessarily mean that morality has no place in lawmaking. In fact, it can be argued that the presence of morality is necessary to create just laws. If a society's moral beliefs and values align with principles of justice and equality, then the laws created by that society are more likely to reflect these values. Conversely, if a society's moral beliefs and values are based on principles of inequality or oppression, the laws created by that society may reflect and perpetuate these principles.
In conclusion, Thrasymachus's statement highlights the potential for a disconnect between government, laws, and morality. It suggests that those in power may use laws to serve their own interests, rather than those of society as a whole. However, it also implies that morality has a role to play in lawmaking, and that the moral beliefs and values of a society can influence the laws that are created and enforced. Understanding this complex relationship is crucial for creating just and equitable societies.
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